Teenage Daughter’s Wedding Toast

Blending our families together was just as big of a deal to us as it was for Andrew and I to join together in our union as one. Having my teen daughter, my side-kick, my best friend in my wedding meant a lot to me. I have had her right by my side for 17 years now so to have her welcome my husband into our family with open arms while standing next to me when I said “I Do” was truly the only way I would have had it. I believe she was just as excited about the wedding as I was. During our reception at the beach she gave the first toast in front of our family and friends. Andrew and I will cherish these words forever.

I have been racking my brain for the perfect words to say. And yes I was able to come up with a few ideas. But finding the perfect words is hard. Especially when it’s at my mom’s wedding, a wedding that I have been dreaming about forever. To get to see her walk down the aisle in the perfect dress and marry someone that she loves with all her heart, that is something that I will never forget.

I remember having to keep the secret that Andrew had the ring for my mom, I tried to convince him to propose on Thanksgiving just so I wouldn’t have to wait any longer. WORST and BEST secret that I’ve ever had to keep. ( For almost two months!)

Of course he picked the perfect moment to ask her, my luck though I was in the middle of Old Navy, so I was a crying-squealing mess in the middle of the store when my mom texted me a picture of the ring.

Andrew, yes, you are officially a part of the family according to a piece of paper, but you were a part of this family from the very beginning. We usually let you be a part after one of us almost kills you. For those of you who don’t know I got into a car accident last year and Andrew was in the passenger seat. The air bags went off causing him to dislocate his middle finger. In that moment Andrew had every right to hate me, but instead we became a lot closer.

Andrew – Noah, Gabby, and I welcome you, Jagger and Vanessa into our family not as step brother, step sister and step dad, but as a brother, sister and dad.

Tapanga’s speech gave me tears in my eyes and we all giggled at the reminder of the car accident. It was very sweet and brave of her to get up in front of the room and give her toast. She gets very nervous and shy when speaking in front of others so this was a very big deal for her. Her words really touched Andrew’s heart as well.

Mitch, I think she wrote and re-wrote several times before that day. She really put a lot of thought into the speech. I think being able to read it helped her have the courage to get up there in front of everyone.

That’s sad to hear, Nicole. I’m sorry you and your siblings went through that. This is my first marriage with blending families and I can honestly say that Andrew and I would have never married if our kids did not approve. I couldn’t imagine a home with unhappy children.